FBI Name Check & 485s

ks_cc

Registered Users (C)
Hello folks,

I've been pretty active on the cross chargeability thread: http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=189753&highlight=cross+chargeability, but this is a more general question around the FBI name check process.
I'm trying to determine how the process actually works between a primary applicant and a beneficiary on the 485 petitions.
My wife and I have filed for AOS back in April 2006. I am the primary applicant and she's the derivative.
In late December, I took an Infopass appointment to find out about the status of our pending 485s, especially to know if our FBI name checks have been cleared.
At the Infopass, the Officer told me that my wife's name check had been cleared, while I was still pending. He also proceeded to mention that USCIS used to wait on adjudication of both cases until both name check results were cleared, but they aren't doing that anymore. He said that if one of the name checks is cleared, they go ahead and process both 485 petitions. That didn't quite make sense to me, but regardless, based on his suggestion, I sent a note to the VSC reminding them that our visa dates are available. No surprise that I haven't gotten any word back from the VSC based on my letter.
Anyway. I called VSC using the POJ method last week and spoke to a very helpful lady there. She proceeded to tell me that both cases remain unadjudicated with the reason stated as pending name checks. She also said that the Infopass officer was incorrect and that both name checks have to be cleared for the petitions to be adjudicated.
That being said, I see several posts on this forum and elsewhere regarding one spouse being approved, while the other was still pending due to name checks.
Now, does anyone know if this applies only to instances where the primary petitioner is cleared as far as name check and then approved, while the spouse is pending?

Any further information would be appreciated.

Regards & good luck to all.
 
If a principal applicant's background check has been cleared, then his/her case can be approved. If a dependant's background check has been cleared, but the principal applicant's one is not, then both cases will be pending. The dependant's case may not be approved before the principal applicant's one.
I hope it helps
 
-me- said:
If a principal applicant's background check has been cleared, then his/her case can be approved. If a dependant's background check has been cleared, but the principal applicant's one is not, then both cases will be pending. The dependant's case may not be approved before the principal applicant's one.
I hope it helps
Helps immensely. Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. This actually clears things up a lot. Back to the regularly scheduled waiting game.
 
KS_CC:

Can you please explain the POJ method of calling VSC? What number did you dial-in? I would appreciate your help here.

Thanks
Aj1971
 
I don't know why it's called the POJ method and there is no 'trick' to it.

Just call up the service center and follow the options and it does give you the chance to talk to a representative.
 
Aj1971 said:
KS_CC:

Can you please explain the POJ method of calling VSC? What number did you dial-in? I would appreciate your help here.

Thanks
Aj1971
The POJ method is essentially a way you can get in touch an Immigration Officer at the VSC, or any of the other three service centers; rather than speak with a National Customer Service Center rep. It has been the experience of several folks that the VSC or Service Center officers (obviously) have much more information that is pertinent to your case.
That being said, please note the gigantic disclaimer. The VSC officers aren't really there to give you case status information. They're supposed to be dealing exclusively with the worst case scenarios where cases are lost or separated (hence the option on the POJ below). I've read threads where the VSC officers either refused to divulge case status information, or were curt with the caller, told the caller to call customer service (800 number) and not them, or all of the above. My one experience with the POJ went very smooth and the lady was great, but I wouldn't call it the norm, nor the exception. Regardless, if you feel you've got nothing to lose, go for it.
Here's the keycode sequence after you call the National Cust Service number:
1-800-375-5283
Press 1, 2, 2, 6, 1 for EAC #, 1 again to confirm, 3 (to go to the next step), 4 (if you feel companion cases have been separated or recvd a decision on one but not others, etc).
No idea what POJ stands for.
 
I called the regular 1-800 number couple of weeks back but didn't get much information. Represntative on the phone opened a status inuiry and now I have to wait atleast 45 days. Even had an Info pass last Tuesday, but no help. Can someone tell me , what are my options?

PD: EB-3 India - April 30, 2001
RD I-485 - December 15, 2004
1st FP - April 9, 2005
Last LUD - April 20, 2005
 
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